This Saturday a boat club will be encouraging you to join it as it messes about on the river; and enjoy all the fun of the fair at the same time.

The Goring and Streatley Regatta, held at Bishops Farm, Streatley, will combine boat races with live music, traditional country pursuits and a funfair, all in the name of having a good day out.

Joining in the fun will be Mr Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole, all from the much-loved Wind in the Willows books, and Olympic gold medallist Zac Purchase MBE, who will present the winners with their prizes at the end of the day.

Events on the day, which starts at 9.30am, include coxed fours, single sculls, dongolas, dinghies and canoes. There are races for men, women and mixed crews, as well as events for youngsters.

Non-rowers will be able to enjoy a display of classic cars, craft tents, real ale and live music as well as a performance arena where there will be demonstrations of birds of prey, ferret racing and dog agility classes.

Children will be able to have their face painted, enjoy some traditional entertainments and take a trip down a long bouncy slide.

Olympic rower Zac says that he is looking forward to coming along this Saturday.

“As a local resident, I am delighted to be able to support this year’s Goring and Streatley Regatta,” he says. “It promises to be a great day of entertainment on and off the water.

“I am a keen advocate of any activity that brings rowing to as many people as possible and the regatta is the perfect example of how to achieve this in the most relaxed and enjoyable way possible. I hope the weather plays its part to deliver a great day out for all the family. I am looking forward to being there in the afternoon and handing out the prizes.”

The Regatta is organised by the Goring Gap Boat Club and it has been held since 1895 a display of years gone by will form part of the day’s entertainment.